How to find the right PLCC Sockets AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in PLCC Sockets
- Pin count and shape
- Match the exact pin count (common counts are 20, 28, 32, 44, 52, 68 and 84); the 32-pin package is rectangular, while most others are square A PLCC package only seats in its exact outline.
- Mounting
- Choose through-hole or surface-mount PLCC sockets to match the PCB footprint PLCC sockets come in both styles with different land patterns.
- Orientation
- Align the chamfered corner and pin-1 marker of the chip with the socket's keyed corner A reversed PLCC can still be forced in and may be destroyed at power-up.
- Removal access
- Make sure the socket has extraction slots and that a PLCC extractor tool can reach it PLCC chips sit flush, and prying them with a screwdriver cracks the socket or the board.
- Test or programming use
- Use a clamshell or open-top PLCC test socket instead of a standard board socket for repeated insertions Standard PLCC sockets have tight friction contacts that are not meant for frequent swaps.
Brands that matter
- TE Connectivity: Standard through-hole and surface-mount PLCC sockets.
- Aries Electronics: PLCC sockets and adapters.
- Yamaichi: PLCC test and programming sockets.
- Ironwood Electronics: Package adapters and test sockets, including PLCC.
What to avoid
- Removing PLCC chips without a proper extractor tool
- Assuming a 32-pin PLCC socket fits a square package, or the reverse
- Plain board sockets in a programmer that sees frequent chip changes
Questions
Why is my BIOS or EPROM chip in a PLCC socket hard to remove?
The contacts grip all four sides. Use a two-prong PLCC extractor in the corner slots rather than prying from one side.